GRAVESTONES DISAPPEARED
Anush Shahumian

A1+
[12:21 pm] 03 December, 2007
Martuny

Eight years ago three gravestones with Persian and Armenian
inscriptions were lying near a market in the town of Martuny. Two
of the gravestones dating back to the 15th century have disappeared
today. The third one is on the brink of destruction.

Some residents say a neighbour had sold the gravestones to Persians
at the price of $100, others say they were broken to pieces and used
as construction material.

Part of the third gravestone broke down in the result of recent
displacements.

"The gravestones had disappeared before I assumed office. I am not
responsible for their disappearance," Gor Gasparian, the head of the
Environment Protection Service of Gegharkunik Marz, told A1+.

We learned that in order to lessen the weight the service concludes
agreements with different people who become "the owners of historical
monuments."

The law stipulates that monuments are a country’s property and all
sales and purchases of monuments are considered null and void.